Description

A pair of teenage boys growing up in a working-classneighborhood become aware of their homosexuality. While both werevaguely aware they might be gay, neither had ever acted on theirimpulses. Once they decide that they're attracted to each other, neitheris sure just what to do. Winner of 4 International Film Festival Awards. ... Read more

Reviews (261)

Sweet & poignant coming of age (and out) story
An emotionally tender & wonderful coming of age film, "Beautiful Thing" is an essential addition to your "alternative" movie section.

The story centers around Jamie (Berry) and Ste (Neal), 2 teenage classmates and neighbors in a working-class development in London. Jamie is a reserved teen sharing a normal relationship with his single, pub manager Mom (Henry). Ste lives an emotionally and physically abused life at the hands of his single father and older brother. What transpires between them is a very tender and emotional tale of first love and budding homosexuality. Awakening sexual desire, guilt, fear and, eventually, love is played out in an honest & sincere fashion.

The entire cast is superb. As Jamie & Ste, Glen Berry & Scott Neal give their characters a sweet and emotionally accurate innocence... especially when joyously galavanting through a forest together and sharing a long kiss. Linda Henry is exquisite as Jamie's Mom, Sandra. She delivers a fantastic and multi-layered performance as a woman trying to deal with her own life, in addition to her son. As the Mamas & the Papas loving neighbor Leah, Tameka Empson graciously adds some needed turbulence (comically and otherwise).

The script is heartfelt, comical (some moments between Sandra & Leah are a bitingly hilarious), and fresh. Definitely a wonderful comedy-drama and, perhaps, the best coming out film of the decade.

Don't Miss It!
BT is one terrific movie -- and one of those surprises you could have almost missed, but are eternally grateful that you didn't! It's an honest, fun, sensitive and uplifting story about growing up, about loving, and about raw courage -- without any of the political agenda or overwrought angst found in other films of a similar genre. Linda Henry and Glen Berry give first-rate performances as Sandra and Jamie, a British working-class mother and teen-age son struggling with the usual stuff of which such relationships are made, while Jamie is simultaneously discovering the depth and beauty of his sexuality, and the love that he feels for his neighbor and mate, Ste (Scott Neal). Far from being another cliche-filled coming-out story (though coming out is a major theme), Beautiful Thing is most authentically a love story -- and a damned good and happy one at that! (though weeping is certainly allowed, encouraged, and unavoidable in certain key scenes). But it's not just about the love that Jamie and Ste share; in a way that is inseparable from the main story line, it's about the powerful and life-giving love that Jamie and his mum feel for each other. The movie is full of hope and joy -- and will fill you with those same feelings. Indeed, it sticks to your gut and stays deep down inside long after you have first seen it.

The downside of this film is that its "R" rating (certainly not for sex -- it's gotta be for the rough language) deprives a whole group of young people from experiencing a film that could bring so much goodness to their lives. Every teenager, gay and straight, ought to see this movie. It cuts through all the stereotypes and shows just how beautiful the love between two regular guys can be. Their story is so moving that one would have to be pretty cold and hard not to root for the triumph of Jamie and Ste's love. Indeed, making it a required part of the high school curriculum would go a long way in freeing young people from fear and prejudice, and would do much to help them become more loving and accepting people. What an inspiration and beacon of hope it could be for young gay people looking for a way to love and a reason to hope!

You will be glad and grateful for seeing this movie. In fact, I guarantee that you will not be able to see it just once -- you will want to see it again and again. And that's why you will want to buy it! That's what I did!

Falling In Love
Falling in love, having someoneto love, someone who loves you.It just doesn't GET any betterthan this. A special treasure.

Truly Beautiful
I can't count the number of times I've read a magazine article about this movie, how many times I'd scoured the movie rental places for it in high school, how many times I'd almost bought it online... but never did get my hands on it until recently. It may be hard to find, but it is well worth the search. This is the best coming-of-age movie I've seen --I connected with it and each of the characters on more than one level-- and I was delighted to find that the usual stereotypes are no where to be found in this movie. And on top of that, no sex scenes or anything else you might not want to show your mother.

The story has been summarized in many of the other 250 or so reviews, so I won't do that here. But I will urge you to get this movie and watch it -- it will touch you and be beneficial whether you are just coming to terms with being gay, if you're out and completely fine with yourself, or if your kid or friend has just come out to you. Even if you don't know many gay people, watch this movie and see what you think. It deserves all the awards, recognition, and reputation that is has. I only wish I had seen it sooner (and that other people had seen this before I had to come out to them!).

This is a British film, so expect more rough language than you'd see if it had been made in the U.S... I'd also recommend using the Closed Caption to keep from getting a bit confused from the language differences (for instance, I thought Ste had said he was Naked when it made no sense ... ends up he had said Knackered... sleepy I guess LOL).

Whether you rent it or buy it, find some way to see this movie.

A Must See and A Must Have
This film deserves six stars. It is more than a story about two men falling in love. It is just a wonderful love story. It is very sincere without being sickening and very sensual without being overtly provocative.

Buy two. One for yourself and one for someone you care about. ... Read more

Description

In this 'riveting mystery-romance', two men’s lives intersect andbecome one through a meeting of pure chance.Drew, a small town forest ranger rescuesMark, an injured hiker suffering from amnesia. As he recovers, he and Drew form a closefriendship that slowly grows into something much more.Unfortunately, their timetogether is cut short when the hiker's old life comes back to reclaim him. A sexy andintriguing love story, Gone But Not Forgotten is a film not to miss. ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Wished I had seen it on the big screen
Movies for me have always had a "bigger than life" impact when seen on the big screen for the first time. I wished I have had my initial viewing of this film at the theatre. This flick is definitely one of the better gay romance movies to come out over the past few years that can be appreciated by both gay and straight audiences. If Michael Akers can do this remarkable, credible, and satisifying a project on his limited budget for this film, I can't wait to see what he will do when the "bank vaults are open." The dialogue and scenes do jump awkwardly a bit from time to time, but nothing that detracts or cheapens the overall quality of this film. No, this is not a "Meryl Streep- Oscar-worthy" movie. If it were, the true power of this flick would have been lost.

This likeable cast has a great chemistry together, which added to my enjoyment of the film. What is all the more amazing is that this was the movie debut of all the actors. Aaron Orr (Drew Parker) put forth a wonderful and credible effort of making me laugh, making me cry, and bonding me to his character as few actors have over the past few years. My big surprise was the supporting role of Ariadne Shaffer as Catherine Reeves. I thought I was in a "time warp" watching Kathleen Turner 20 years ago! Matthew Montgomery (Mark Reeves) put in a great effort of creating the sensitive, confused amnesia victim and expressing to the audience Mark's coming to terms with his sexuality and who he really loves. Bravo Aaron, Ariadne, and Matthew! We will be all the better seeing these upcoming actors in future projects over the next few years.

The chemistry and bond between Drew and Mark was very evident throughout their scenes together and the main reason this film doesn't disappoint. The love scene between the two main characters goes beyond the typical Hollywood "sanitized" scenes, but is tastefully and affectionately done.

Michael Akers' first film is a recommend "must-see" for all romantics out there. It is not a surprise this film was the official selection at almost a dozen or so showings around the 2003 festival circut. With the just the right balance of humor, happy, hope, sad, and serious, this film gets better and more satisifying to me upon each viewing. Good cast, good dialogue, and great cinematography... get a date, turn down the lights, cuddle, and enjoy! This film has an addicting quality to it that will make you want to watch it again and again.

Wished I had seen it on the big screen
One of the better "guy gets guy" date films to come out in a few years. I always enjoy movies more on the big screen and as enjoyable as this film was to me on the TV screen, I think I would have enjoyed it more if my initial screening had been on the big screen. Nice cast! They have a great chemistry together, which added to the enjoyment of the film to me. Can't understand the reviews panning this film. No, it's not "Oscar-worthy-Meryl Streep" acting... if it were, the true power of this film would be lost. If Michael Aker's can create a movie this good on a limited budget, I can't wait to see what he can do when the "bank vaults are open." An enjoyable film with just the right balance of humor, happy, hope, sad, and serious that will satisify and make you feel good. I have watched it several times and it gets better and more satisifying to me on each viewing.

Beyond independent
One man wrote, directed, and edited this ridiculously long melodrama. Re-titled, "Joan Crawford Loves Joan Collins" this story requires a three movie expansion to help him swing his extra thick plot-punch (not to mention smacks, bitch-slaps, and panic-attacks.) Buy this as a donation only.

Wonderful Movie
Yes this movie is rather amateurish. This was a shoestring budget. Those things aside, this is a wonderful movie. The cast is very good. The plot can meander around but all in all believable. Do yourself a favor to is watch one of the extra feature with commentary by Matthew Montgomery and the writer/director. You get a good understanding of how the movie was made and the struggles that went into the movie.

Go and forget it
This is one of those cheap digital video (not high definition) shot movies that make you wish filmmakers still had to write a decent enough screenplay to interest a producer to raise some serious money to make a picture. I like movies to look good, I think it's half the fun of watching them. And maybe money is not the problem.
Well, to tell the truth I've seen much worse than this one, but I don't think this makes the grade as a serious movie. The cheapness comes through embarrasingly, and it clearly marrs the script. As it often happens in this movies, the story is unbelievable, the pace drags and the acting is mediocre.
About the dvd itself, it's 1.85 non-anamorphic and of course it looks like digital video. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

When it appeared on British television in 1999, Queer as Folk caused quite a ruckus. There was the sex, as graphic as most anything you'd see in an R-rated film. There were the questionable morals--after all, one of the lead characters knowingly seduced a virginal 15-year-old boy. There was, of course, the rampant homosexuality, seeing as the series followed a group of gay men living in Manchester. But what really got people talking was the quality of the series: no leaden soap opera or exploitative sex romp, Queer as Folk is an engrossing, incredibly well-written series that ranks with some of the best ever produced for British TV. Following the adventures of Stuart (Aidan Gillen), a rake capable of seducing anyone anywhere, and Vince (Craig Kelly), his boy-next-door best friend, as well as the family and friends who surround them, Queer as Folk paints a complex, emotional, and funny portrait of its characters, who range from the regular to the outlandish. Less sensationalistic than it sounds, Queer as Folk shares more in common with gritty, working-class British films like My Beautiful Laundrette and Beautiful Thing than it does with glossy, sex-themed American TV like Sex and the City or even the Americanized version of Queer as Folk. Though definitely comedic in parts, Queer as Folk takes a clear-eyed yet fond view of its characters, from lothario Stuart, who can be charming one minute and self-obsessed the next, to hapless Vince, a mess of insecurities who can't believe it when a handsome Australian (Peter O'Brien) falls in love with him. Fans of the American Queer as Folk will recognize the British counterparts to the American characters, as well as familiar plot arcs, but this series' writing and directing make it a far more dramatic--and multifaceted--look at gay life. This first season set, known as "Series 1," clocks in at four hours. --Mark Englehart ... Read more

Reviews (65)

Refreshing, entertaining, real and inspiring!
Having not seen the American remake of this series, my partner and I sat down to watch this British series on DVD and quickly became hooked--not by the sex (which got so much publicity), but by the overall quality of the production--especially its writing and acting. We cared about these characters and their families (warts and all), and were disappointed when the first 4 hours were over. We're middle-aged urban Americans, but we identified very much with the universality of this younger British milieu--some things transcend time and place. It's inspiring to see gay themes treated on the screen with such intelligence, wit and maturity. We've come a long way. No lectures here. No moralizing. No black & white heroes and villians. Just some real, complicated, flawed but loveable characters struggling with how to be happy and proud in an imperfect world. We wish the DVD made better use of providing additional materials; more background on the actors, writers and such would have been appreciated. We bought the 90-minute, Part 2 conclusion as soon as it was available, and found it to be be inferior to the original series and an unsatisfying conclusion to the saga--but any opportunity to spend more time with these characters was appreciated. This is one of those rare series that I'm sure we'll watch again periodically.

Different, but good
Having been a major fan of the American QAF, it was great recently to see the British.

Like a lot of folks have said, the initial story line is almost identical, just treated in a different way. British is faster paced and funnier, especially after you get used to the Manchester working class slang. But the faster pace keep the characters from having quite as much depth, although I like how the relationship between Stuart and Vince turns out more than Brian and Mike. But I'm more of a romantic about stuff like that.

And the British is far more authentic in its approach to the working class culture. The American boys claim Pittsburg working class roots, but they behave like middle class suburbans.

Overall though, I like the larger cast, more complex story and character development of the American version. And there's nothing in the British that comes even close to the impact of the last show of season 1 American, especially for someone who's been through a similar situation as what happened to Justin. That one episode did more to heal my old emotional pains than years of counselling could ever hope to!! I also think the way the American told the story of Mike's 30th birthday was much better set up and followed through to a logical conclusion than Vince's 30th on the British. If I hadn't seen the American, I probably would have missed the point on the British.

But all in all, the British is definitely worth having if you're into QAF.

Sophisticated Series
While the American version of QAF focuses on sensationalism and sleaze, the original British version takes a more artistic approach to presenting gay life. Sure there are sex scenes, and soap operish situations, but they are handled in a more realistic manner. Watching this rich version of QAF is like watching a really good independent film. The acting is solid, the characters are multi-dimensional, and the writing is top-notch. Unlike the American version, drugs and backrooms are downplayed in UK's version of QAF. The only time drugs come into play is when one of the characters dies from an overdose.

?
Why do people like this? Its not like real life at all and in fact has done nothing but stain the reputation of hard working, moral, intelligent gay men.

THE BEST!
There are moments in every episode where you think "Nothing on tv well ever be better than this" (that is before you see the next episode).
The American version of Queer as folk is simply not comparable to this one.
Every second of the UK version is worth watching. Not every episode of the US version is worth watching. That¡¯s the difference. ... Read more

Reviews (75)

Sheer delight
For my money this is Blake Edwards' most enjoyable movie. I've viewed it perhaps a dozen times, and its combination of a peerless cast, fine songs, supremely witty script and sure-footed direction make this a real gem that I will never tire of watching.

Robert Preston (in a role originally intended for Peter Sellers) practically steals the show as Toddy, a gay nightclub perfomer in 1930s Paris. Preston's vitality and charisma make the character of Toddy so warm, humorous and believable that he feels like an old friend by the end of the movie. What a shame Preston made so few films! (We do, however, have his memorable aoppearance in SOB - another Edwards triumph - to be grateful for.)

Julie Andrews is perfectly cast, with her distinctive voice and seemingly ageless face and figure all contributing to a convincing portrayal of a supposed female impersonator. The rapport between her and Preston is a joy to behold, and one can only applaud their classy professionalism.

The rest of the cast is top-notch, and the film reunites Julie Andrews with James Garner 18 years after their first movie together, the 1964 Americanization of Emily. Garner shows a fine comic touch - as always - and Lesley Ann Warren is inimitable as his supremely irritating ex-girlfriend.

The film positively overflows with 1930s Parisian atmosphere and sophistication. In short, Victor/Victoria is a real treat that offers a little something for everybody.

Essential viewing.

Le Jazz Hot!
Although he has just recieved an honorary Oscar, Blake Edwards is often looked upon as a purvayer of low comedy. Although he is the genius behind such sparkling classics as The (original) Pink Panther and Breakfast at Tiffanys, many people frown upon him for his later films such as S.O.B., Blind Date and Switch (let's not mention the post-Sellars Panthers). Victor / Victoria falls, chronologically, between the two sets of films and, in my view, is Edwards at his peak.
Edwards directs his wife Julie Andrews (never better and that includes being a nanny and a nun), in a tale of a [woman pretending to be a man pretending to be a woman]. The central plot serves as an excellent backbone on which to hang a wonderfully farcical script, some hilarious set-pieces and the fantastic song-and-dance numbers (Bricuse and Mancini's score makes you wish they'd worked together more often).
Andrews, as I say, is flawless coming somewhere between the innocence of Poppins and the lewdness of S.O.B. and giving a fantastic performance. From under her very nose though, the film is stolen by the ever-watchable Robert Preston as Toddy. Preston brings great depth and love to a part that could quite easily have been, as he is refered to in the film, 'a pathetic old queen'. James Garner commendably plays the straight-man (in more ways than one!) with a twinkle in his eye and Lesley Ann Warren hilariously chews every bit of scenery she lays her hands on.
The script, which bears Edwards' name as a co-writer, is as witty and moving as anything written in Hollywood's 'Golden Era' and the musical elements have as much vibrancy as MGM's in their hey-day. Musical highlights include Le Jazz Hot and The Shady Dame from Seville (not to mention the riotous reprise as performed by Preston for the films finale). One-liners don't come much better than "A lot of men can't get it ... up to now, you've been fine", "You look like a raccoon" (you need to see it) and the entire scene in the restaurant that leads to the line "It is a moron who takes advice from a horse's arse" (Edwards regular Graham Stark at his dead-pan best).
The extras on the DVD are limited to trailers and a commentary. The commentary by Edwards and Andrews is informative, if a little disappointing considering the wildness of the film and mainly consists of Edwards enjoying watching the film and Andrews making sure that all of the on and off-screen talent is name-checked.
A real unsung gem that deserves to be seen as often as possible. Tell your friends!

JULIE ANDREWS! A LEGEND!
I remember sitting through it in 1983 in the theatre with Mama and Grandmother. We all LOVED it. With Poppins, Maria and Gertrude; Julie`s Victor/Victoria is HER BEST effort on celluloid. Leslie Ann-Warren, James Garner, Robert Preston, Blake Edwards, Henry Mancini & Leslie Bricusse ALL excell in this comedy. It may be a trifle long and the Hercule Poirot-imitation unnecessary; but it really is the last of the GREAT MGM MUSICALS(although it was shot i England, released by MGM). The set-designs are a treasure 2 behold.

One Big Riot
There is one word that best describes this film, and it's RIOT. The film is one big and grand RIOT. The cockroach-instigated riot scene in the restaurant is memorable. Mr Edwards shot this from the outside so that we get to see a third-person view of what is going on inside through the windows. Also, look at that RIOTY performance by Leslie Ann Warren: the scene where she walks down the train aisle spurting out vehement %$&*$# should be made a classic!! Again, this was shot using a third-person view so that we see inside the train windows but never actually hear her. The film delights in its RIOTS, we get the feeling that it makes fun of its characters in this way, albeit a tender way.
But beneath all the film's RIOTS, is a warm heart (highlighted by Henry Mancini's score.) This warm-hearted attitude transcends even through all those nightclub brawls; and I believe that without this formula, the film might not have been able to handle the issue of homosexuality so well. Excellent performances by Julie Andrews, James Garner, Robert Preston (in a delicious drag queen finale,) Leslie Ann Warren (show stealer) and the whole cast. The musical numbers are also winners. Certainly not for the Lazy Afternoon viewing, but for the Friday/Saturday night film. To those who are offended by gay contents, be warned, the film insists. This is one GAY & RIOTY film.

Blake Edwards - Musical Gender Bending At It's Best!
This is most definitely musical gender-bending at it's best!

Not many musical/comedies are produced nowadays, let alone good ones like Rocky Horror Picture Show & Little Shop Of Horrors to name a few that come to my mind.

This 80's musical/comedy is set in 1934 GAY and I DO MEAN GAY Paree! This film is quite unparalled in the fact that Victor/Victoria was a movie BEFORE it made it to The Great White Way. Julie Andrews played Victor/Victoria in both movie and on stage.

Great songs in - Julie's "Le Jazz Hot" & Lesley Warren's bimboesque "Kings Can-Can". The sexual chemistry is A+++ between Andrews & a sexually confused James Garner who plays "King Marchand" a Chicago club owner, who is so TOTALLY out of his element in Paris, let alone being sexually frustrated and confused over his crush on the beautiful, stylish and gay, Victor.

Great cast, great songs and a greater storyline with lots of slapstick comedy make Victor/Victoria a classic of it's time!

Happy Watching! ... Read more

Amazon.com

A remarkable movie. L.I.E. centers on Howie, a 15-year-old boy whose mother recently died in a car accident. Neglected by his father, an unscrupulous contractor who's constantly having sex with his new girlfriend, Howie falls in with a group of boys who break into houses for kicks. After one break-in Howie is caught by Big John (Brian Cox, the original Hannibal Lecter from Manhunter), a former Marine with a taste for young boys. But the relationship that develops between Howie and Big John surprises them both. L.I.E. captures male adolescence more genuinely than any other film in recent memory; the realism of the relationships, particularly between Howie and his father, is completely compelling. The movie affects all the senses; you can practically feel the texture of Howie's blue flannel sheets, smell the greenery that grows along the Long Island Expressway. Amazing performances, vivid direction, smartly written--superb all around. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (89)

All the light and dark of the heart
It is not surprising to me that viewers are so quick to bandy labels around while discussing L.I.E.. Pigeonholes make matters of the heart that are otherwise complicated and hazy, easy to deal with for those who hate to think or be challenged. If that's what the creators of this excellent film wanted to do, they would've issued out black and white cowboy hats to the actors.

But this movie is not simplistic. Listening to the commentaries by both the director, Michael Cuesta, and Brian Cox (Big John), I noticed that neither ever utters the word "pedophile" in relation to Big John (In fact, the film itself shows he not only desires young teenagers, but young, adult men of 18-21 range, and women as well). Nor do they peg Howie as a "gay youth"--in fact, they both deny that Howie's sexual identity is set. That's because L.I.E. is not about categories, it is about the complexities of the human heart that lie beneath the surface.

For myself, L.I.E. is about two things: (1) discovering the difference between love and lust, and (2) the fundamental condition of human loneliness and our search for honest intimacy. After the recent death of his mother, Howie has just discovered deep loneliness and is trying to resolve it as fast as he can; running away to California for adventure with a rebellious, sexy friend seems like the magic pill/instant cure for all his problems. As for Big John, years before the time of this film he decided to quench his loneliness in shallow sex with males of various ages, and in creating broad yet shallow relationships with the prominent members of his community. Yet he's never allowed anyone to get inside and really touch his heart, apparently not even his current adult lover/roommate.

Suddenly, Howie is confronted with this man, who unlike Howie's father or friends, has answers to his questions about his worth and place in the world (and also knowledge of sex, which is a big part of life for a teenager). Simultaneously, the once-"Big" John is rendered small and weak in the face of the quiet grandeur and adolescent vulnerability of Howie's gentle, honest nature. For a moment, their lives intersect and neither of them knows quite what to do...both are in foreign territory, and both walk away with something they never had before. Howie walks away with the knowledge of his own value as a human being (hence, he's able to assert himself in confrontation with his father later in the film, and proclaim himself to the world), and John walks away knowing that he's made a permanent and vital difference in the life of another person, and that he's finally loved someone else, truly and completely.

This film should not be missed, misunderstood or pigeonholed and forgotten. It is a boundary-breaker that speaks of the need for love and intimacy that lies most deeply in the human soul, regardless of superficial appearances.

Extraordinary!
This is an awesomely well-made movie, from the acting to the writing to the cinematography - it has a reality & honesty that are very rare in American films - and it's also funny and compassionate. Brian Cox's performance has to be one of the acting pinnacles of film history. I hate to praise one actor by knocking others, but I automatically thought of two better-known actors who might have been cast as Big John but thankfully weren't: Albert Finney & Anthony Hopkins. Both would have fit well but both would have overshadowed the character. Big John as he is written & played in this film is one of the most complex & honest human beings I've ever seen in an American movie. Paul Franklin Dano is every bit as impressive as Howie showing extraordinary sensitivity & range. Both Dano & Cox should have won every major acting award of the year (if there was any justice in that industry). Michael Cuesta has made a truly extraordinary film, one that I'm sure will become a classic over time.

A touching story that should be watched
Other reviewers have given the plot synopsis, so I'll spare that. But this is a wonderful movie about a controversial subject--intimacy between a teen and a an adult. Paul Dano gives an excellent performance and a very believeable one. (He is a handsome young man too.) On the surface, people may miss the point that this movie is really about friendship and not sex and gives a redeeming quality to the older man (Brian Cox). This movie is not to edify pedophilia, or make it okay. But what is wrong with with caring relationship with another human being that doesn't have to focus to sex? I'm glad this film was made to present another reality of life that really exists. I gave this movie a 4.5 which isn't possible by this rating system, but decided not to round up. The only thing I didn't like was the Hollywood ending--why does someone always have to go to jail and/or die to make a movie? Definately an under rated film that should be viewed.

Surprisingly good I command you to watch it
OK to say the least, this movie isn't for everyone. On my part i thought i would've been shocked but really i wasn't that shocked at all in fact there wasn't that much provocative scenes there was just minor, but my opinion doesn't really count seeing as i have seen a lot more provocative movies than this. but surprisingly i enjoyed it there really wasn't too much deep and wrist-slitting scenes. it seemed short and pg rated i must've gotten a pg copy but the ending was good enough i also thought the boy how played howie the protagonist and messed up kid in the movie, to be hot and cute in that stagatorry rape kind of way.

Viewer
A beautiful, painfully honest and extremely controversial film that depicts a pedophile as a sometimes caring and loving father figure. The scene where Brian Cox shows the young boy how to shave is so filled with both paternal love and twisted sexuality that I can not get it out of my mind. How many kids even have a father figure in their homes today? How many young boys resort to drugs, violence, risky sexual habits from lack of parental love, care and supervison?
Can a pedophile fill the void of an absent father?
All of you who would rather go out drinking, spend the whole weekend in front of the TV, I sincerely hope you will make time to watch this movie. ... Read more

Amazon.com

HBO caused a stir when it aired If These Walls Could Talk, a portrait of three women from three generations (all who occupied the same house at various times) who had unwanted pregnancies. HBO utilizes the same gimmick in the sequel, this time telling the story of women who love women.

The three stories of If These Walls Could Talk 2 are uneven. Far and away the most powerful and moving story is the first, taking place in 1961, starring Vanessa Redgrave as a woman "widowed" when her partner of 50 years suddenly dies. Redgrave is phenomenal, and her piece alone makes this sequel worth watching. The 1972 portion stars Michelle Williams, who finds dealing with the sexual politics of the gay community increasingly more complex when she falls in love with a boyish woman (played by Chloë Sevigny). The most modern piece, taking place in 2000, portrays a contemporary lesbian couple (Sharon Stone and Ellen DeGeneres) determined to have a baby. The light nature of the story detracts from the more serious issues of the earlier segments. Despite the mixed fare, HBO once again proves itself on the cutting edge of moviemaking, with this rather daring film that will both provoke and entertain. --Jenny Brown ... Read more

Reviews (72)

A look at relationships over time
There are 3 stories to this movie, with the setting being the same house for all three stories.

The first story is set in the 1950's and shows the sorrow of having to keep a lesbian relationship secret. Vanessa Redgrave's utter destruction over the death of her partner and her being unable to show the full extent of her loss. From the hospital to the gold digging relatives, no one offers her true comfort for what she has rightfully lost and she must grieve alone.

For me, the second story was the best. Set in the 1970's, it tells the story of a feminist who falls in love with a masculine dressed woman. The passion is overwhelming. There is a nude scene that really shows pure sexual passion. Michelle Williams potrayal of the feminist is a moving and wonderful thing to watch.

The final story is about 2 women trying to conceive a baby. While I'm not sure about the chemistry between Ellen DeGeneres and Sharon Stone, I do think Sharon Stone gives a tender portrayal of a loving woman. I found the watching of the children in the park to be a little creepy and unnecessary.

Even if you aren't a lesbian, just the acting and the emotions of relating to other women is worth the rental or purchase price.

Incerdibly Touching
I thought "If These Walls Could Talk 2" was great, with the great performances. Thank god for HBO, I've seen it many times on it, and it's sort of a guilty pleasure. I can't help but watch it everytime it comes on. I thought every story was very moving, with the perfect cast to pull it all off. I thought the first segment was very touching, but I couldn't really relate to it, so it was hard to really get into it. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the second and third segments. The second segment with Michelle Williams, Nia Long, and Chloe Sevigny were fantastic. It struck a chord in me, I realized how biased the world can be towards one another. I liked the irony of one lesbian being incredibly ignorant to another, because they weren't "lesbian" enough. It revealed to me how cynical we all can be. I disagree with a lot of the reviews about the third segment, I thought it was great! It was humorous and heart-felt. It is by far, Ellen DeGeneres's best performance. Sharon Stone was so comical, which the enitre movie needed. Ellen and Sharon had great chemistry, in my opinion. The seemed very believable, from the passion towards one-another, to the commitment of trying to conceive. They were a truly loving and commited couple, which I respected very much. I recommend this movie to anyone, lesbian, gay, bi, or straight, it's a terrific movie.

I fell...
in love with Chloe Sevigney (segment 2) after I saw her in this film. She's absolutely amazing. Okay, this isn't a review but I really had to add this to amazon.

If This Bathroom Could Get a Word In
I've got the pitch for IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK 3:

Pro-choice lesbians who are politically-active athiests! Cher and Sharon Stone survive a Sam Peckinpah-styled shootout when crazed religious fanatics open fire on them for helping poor confused young girls into the local abortion clinic. When Chloe Sevigny, their adopted daughter, dies in the attack, Cher and Sharon decide to instead turn their attention to removing all crosses and nativity scenes from America.
Just as the religious fanatics take aim at them at the last nativity scene, Ellen Degeneres appears as angel to stop the violence and magically transform all Americans into loving, tolerant gays and lesbians. The abortion debate essentially disappears since children must now be shipped into the States as the populations growth drops to zero.
Unfortunately, none of them now believe in God or angels, so they open fire on the angel and the entire world is destroyed in a ripping special effects climax.
You can't tell me that wouldn't be more entertaining or informative than anything in the first two WALLS films.

I had the same problem with the first WALLS film that I had with this one: drama sidestepped to make a political statement. Most of the America isn't gay or lesbian, so the film could've been more interesting by seeing reactions to the characters' lesbianism in families and work and so forth.
Instead, we see that lesbian relationships can be just as cutesy and bland as the most lame straight love stories.
The horrible injustice of the first segment could've been cleared up through a simple will.
The second was the most interesting.
The third was like watching a Hallmark card commercial at one frame per half-hour.

HBO has all the tools to make a daring, provocative film. Maybe someday they will.

honest, sweet, and relatable
i thought this was a really good movie. The third part with ellen and sharon was my favorite and the part that i identified with the most. i love the part right before the love scene when ellen asks sharon why they are watching TV. i love how sharon turns the TV off. it is so cute. i have always liked 'Thank You' by Dido but this movie made me like it even more. i didn't relate as much to the second part but thought that all the actresses did a great job. the first part was sad and i'm glad that they put that in the movie. one of my favorite movies! ... Read more

Reviews (133)

Over the top lesbian melodrama
"Lost and Delirious" is for people who like their melodrama laid on thick and heavy with few subtleties. (Also I'm sure they're are plenty of guys who will enjoy it simply for the tame lesbian love scenes between its two attractive leads.)

The story is simple: young Mary Bradford arrives at an all girls boarding school and there she is used simply as a conduit to tell the audience the story of the doomed romantic relationship between her two roommates: preppy, bosomy "Tori" (Jessica Pare) and wildgirl "Pauly" (Piper Perabo.) When the relationship between Tori and Pauly is discovered, Tori breaks it off out of fear that she'll lose her family and, as a result, Pauly goes insane. In another review someone noted with approval that the school's faculty act with compassion and understanding upon the discovering that Pauly has developed a fixation on Tori and not with stereotypical condemnation. However, that's where this movie lost me.

Pauly is a deeply disturbed character. There is nothing wrong with being a heartbroken young lesbian, but there is something wrong about being a violent, verbally abusive, psychopathic stalker! The school should have forced her to get help or kicked her out. However, "Lost and Delirious" is over-the-top melodrama and so we have sit through the inevitable conclusion of Pauly's emotional collapse. (I would just shake my head in wonder if anyone is surprised by how this movie ends.)

One of the most beautiful and heart- wrenching movies ever!
Lost and Delirious is truly one of the most beautiful movies I have ever seen. When I first rented this movie at the local Blockbuster, I was debating to myself whether or not renting this movie was a great idea or just a waste of money. When I started the movie, I was thrown into a world of confusion and sadness when I met "Mouse" played by Mischa Barton, who was on her way to the Perkins Girls College. I immediately developed an understanding of Mouse's shy, insecure personality when she was reflecting on the image of her dead mother. I was later greeted with Victoria -played by Jessica Pare, and Pauline - who was brilliantly played by Piper Perabo. Tori and "P", Mouse found out, were lovers who had an incredible bond toward one another. Unfortunately the two lovers were doomed because of the ever present homophobia that existed in Tori's parents, and her disgusting little sister. Watching Pauly pledge her undying love to Tory, and watching Tory reject her over and over again, made me feel like my heart was being ripped from my body. I have never felt such an incredible bond to a movie's characters, and I have never felt so sad and crushed about a movie's ending. This movie will leave you weeping, but it will also leave you with a better understanding of true love, how beautiful it is, and how easily it can be hidden by fear.

Lost and Delirious
Lost and Delirious is a haunting and very impressive film. Mischa Barton does an excellent job as the new girl sent to live at an all girl's college. She quickly becomes close friends with her two roommates, Pauline and Tory, who are also lovers. The imagery and cinematography in this film are done brilliantly, some of the best I've ever seen. Great story outstandingly told as well. The acting is occasionally a bit overdramatic, but still quite superb. The ending is a little predictable, but I think most people (the smart ones anyway) would find this film to be quite evocative and most excellent nonetheless... And they would definitely be right :).

Based on the book The Wives of Bath by Susan Swan.

NOT a "lesbian" flick
This is NOT a "lesbian" movie. I keep seeing this movie listed as a "lesbian" movie--as though it's only for a lesbian audience. It's not. It's an amazing piece of art about that deals with universal themes of love, acceptance, betrayal (of the self and of others), friendship, loyalty, honesty, peer pressure, emotional dependance, parenting, prejudice and more.

Mainly, it's about the damage done by labels, as lead Paulie says to Mouse, "I'm not a girl in love with a girl, I'm Paulie in love with Tory." So don't label, watch. And don't think this movie won't move you if you aren't gay. It will.

I'd say it's one of the most quietly powerful movies I've ever watched.

Tender and sad
I thought this was an exceptional movie. Not growing up lesbian, but now an out lesbian, I understood the feelings of rejection and hurt. My partner, however, looked at me with tears in her eyes (not a "crier"), and said to me, "This is why most adult lesbians are f***ed up." It really hit home. The level of devastation, not only to be rejected by your lover, but a denial of ever being involved...whew. We both thought the movie was beautiful, sad, and suprisingly not over the top--not even the ending. I highly recommend this movie. ... Read more

Reviews (126)

Cute move, but the soundtrack is the best part
"But I'm A Cheerleader" is a light movie that tries to be both comedy and drama. It succeeds more as a comedy, somewhat in the style of John Waters, but does not go as over-the-top as a Waters film.

Natasha Lyonne plays the main character, Megan, mostly by balancing her headful of Big Hair effectively and pouting mightily throughout. Cathy Moriarty is the hetero Nazi drill sargeant at the sexual orientation "rehab" camp Megan attends. Moriarty is a bit tense and intense, clad in pink with perfectly starched hair, doing her best Faye-Dunaway-as-Joan-Crawford. Ru Paul (NOT in drag) plays her best lieutenant at the camp, trying to bark the male camp attendees into proper heterosexual manhood. The only really good acting is by Clea DuVall, who plays one of the queer girls at the camp...she does a lovely job of modulating her anger and her attraction and, well, being lovely to boot.

Director Jamie Babbit curiously has drawn the male characters more as swish caricatures, while the female "campers" are permitted more normal range, less vicious stereotyping. Because the movie doesn't quite escape mediocrity, this double standard is not a critical flaw.

The soundtrack has some real gems, and it's a crime it's not separately released. It's generally a great collection of edgy pop music by female performers (except for "Party Train" by Ru Paul). "Glass Vase Cello Case" by Tattle Tale is the real winner - somewhat Sarah McLachlan-esque ballad that's not too soft nor too edgy. Go Sailor contribute "Ray of Sunshine" and "Together Forever in Love." People are scouring the internet for mp3's of this soundtrack. However you might come across this soundtrack, I encourage you to glom onto it!

"But I'm A Cheerleader" is a thoroughly watchable movie that just misses its ambition to be high camp. If you keep your expectations in check and pay attention to the soundtrack, you'll be well-pleased with this entertaining film.

A lot of Fun
This movie makes fun of people gay or straight without discrimination. It looks at our society and the "other" as a label we put on each other in a humorous way. I think often people get too passionate about their "beliefs" and their "ways" so that they separate themselves from "the other" by demonizing the other. I laughed at myself in this movie and had fun...

CLEVER satire. BEAUTIFUL color.
I saw this movie 3x in the theatres in NYC when it came out... and bought the DVD as soon as it came out. This is a hilarious satire on a puritanical view of homosexual life, as the main characters try to "cure" themselves. There is a very JohnWaters-esque feel to the colors and costumes. The dialog is witty and funny, especially if you are/know a homosexual. "But you're a vegetarian," is an accusation, the main character gets as proof that she's a lesbian - to me, a very funny lesbian stereo-type. This movie gently makes fun of stereo-types, but also makes it clear that it's ok to be who you are. The filming/costuming/sets are beautiful - and the color is breathtaking. Clea DuVall steals the picture, but sadly, it is Natasha Lyonne that solely gets the credit for it on the movie posters (and even on the Amazon search). ENJOY this wonderful film... i have... many many times.

A lighthearted and fun look at a controversial subject
This 1999 comedy is lightweight, but it tackles a unique theme for
Hollywood, that of a "re-education" school for gay
teenagers. Starring Natasha Lyonne as a high school cheerleader whose
family and friends have identified as gay, she is hustled off to
"True Directions" where something like a 12-step program is
offered. The film is a fun romp, making fun of itself as well as
homophobia by making all the characters stereotyped caricatures. In a
brilliant bit of casting, RuPaul plays the role of a formerly gay
instructor who tries to teach the boys how to act like "real
men". I didn't recognize him until the credits rolled however
because he is NOT in drag. This is, after all, a comedy, and it's
best not to look too deeply for meaning.

Like many other comedies,
this is a one-joke situation. After the first 20 minutes, the film
drags (no pun intended). Surprisingly, the acting is not bad. I
particularly liked the performance of the young Clea DuVall, who also
played a troubled teenager in Girl Interrupted. Cathy Moriarity, who
made her acting debut in Raging Bull in 1980, played the role of owner
of the school. She was always dressed in a bright pink suit, her hair
was teased into a beauty parlor hairdo. Just looking at her in her
perfect makeup was enough to bring out a chuckle. This was certainly
not a great film; it wasn't supposed to be. It tried hard through and
did grapple with a controversial subject in a lighthearted way.
Certainly, it isn't for everyone. And so I give it a qualified
recommendation.

What an incredibly disappointing & completely boring movie.
I'm so shocked that people could actually sit through this video. The plot is completely outrageous. A girls parents decide she's gay because she's a vegetarian and she has a Melissa Ethridge poster on her wall? Firstly, tons of kids are vegetarians these days. Secondly, how would two conservative parents know that Melissa Etheridge is a pop icon who appeals to the gay community slightly more than to straight people? That would be like if a normal guy who happened to be a school teacher, ran out of chalk, and everyone kept accusing him of eating it. It's like, "Well, if you didn't eat the chalk, what did you do with it? We're sending you to the clinic, sicky." What a ridiculous conclusion to come to for no reason! Now I'm all about Krazy Komedy in movies, but there was nothing funny about this film. I don't think gay people are funny just because they're gay. That's rude. It's like saying, "You like Girls? God, that's a riot." So if you're into really bad movies with no redeming qualities whatsoever, you've struck gold. ... Read more

Reviews (62)

Best love story I've ever seen,
In the spirit of "KIDS" this swedish film has brought the (sometimes disturbing) reality of High School to the big screen. Set in a small town, the story follows two best (female) friends into the frustratration that is teenage love. They bounce from party to party getting drunk and looking for boys, the monotony of the same thing every night drives one of the girls to look for love outside her group of friends.
Its hard for me to put in words (I'm no writer) how good this movie is, it takes "taboo" and makes it alright. This movie has adult themes including: adult language, adult situations, and brief nudity (a shot of a playboy centerfold that last no more than 10-20 sec). I hope that doesn't prevent open minded individuals from seeing this movie, trust me its worth the time!
If you don't want to buy, atleast go rent it, or watch it on HBO (that is where I saw it the first time). Its worth it: find it, watch it, I don't think you will regret it.

Foreign Import - Worth The Watch. Good Movie !
If you were ever a teenager, then this movie is for you....

Okay, so I'm being a bit broad based here, but this is a great film - and it touches so perfectly on what it's like to be a teenager, the feelings - confusions and emotions - that it's worth it's weight in gold.

The story follows a small group of Swedish youth, including an akward young girl "outsider" named Agnes who has fallen in love with her schools "it" girl: the very popular, especially with the boys, Elin.

The Elin/Agnes relationship is painful and beautiful at the same time. It's an excellent recollection of what it is to be a teenager in love, regardless of the sexuality. These are honest and true emotions, the kids portrayed could be any in any city, regardless of the country.

The film is full of angst and humor and a precious kiss.

The subtitles are done well and are easy to read.

If I had to pick a complimentary American film - get yourself a copy of "All Over Me" starring the wonderful Alison Folland.

Take a chance on this film - You won't regret it.

Best Regards, turtlex

See This Movie Or Die Unfullfilled
When i first got this flick in the mail, i figured it'd just be cool to see once or twice, no biggie. Once again, i was wrong. This is prolly the best movie i have seen all year. the cast was amazing, direction was much better then any american film i have seen commercialy released sind Hitchcock and the plot was very involving. Besides, thoese girls were SOOOO damned cute.

swedish movies sometimes suck, but not this one!!!
Well hello there!

Let me see. I feel like I can truthfully say that some movies from Sweden suck big time, but this "love story" is really good.

A typical young girl named Agnes, falls in love with Elin.
Agnes has discovered something about herself and she realizes that she is in love with Elin, the girl that every boy wants and with the reputation as the "schools slut" For some reason everyone thinks she has been with everyone.

Agnes is the geeky one with not many friends, and of course she has to carry her feelings for Elin all by herself. In the beginning Eling doesn't think much about Agnes. Just that she is a freak. But as Elin start getting to know Ahnes she realize that they have more in common than she first thought!

This is one of the best swedish movies I have ever seen. It is not based on the fact that we have to see erotic scenes between Agnes and Elin. Instead we can see two people falling in love, and not giving a da** what other people think of them!!

I suggest that you see it!! It's really good!!

I am from Sweden, and the only thing I don't like would be the translation from Fu**ing Åmål to Show me Love. but but, sometimes we translate american movies into funny swedish names! lol

See ya

Sweet, but without the sugar
This movie is very simple, but its completely involving and totally realistic. The story revolves around two high school girls, and the people around them. Elin is the most popular girl in school, and is liked by all the guys. Agnes is the exact opposite of Elin. She is awkward, she is nerdy, and she just happens to be completely in love with Elin. What follows is a realistic and open look into the lives of these girls, and just teenage life in general.

What truly won me over about this film, was how natural it all seemed. Throughout the movie, it didn't even feel like these people were actors reciting dialogue. IT felt like these were people you actually knew being caught on tape. Also, most films that deal with lesbianism are trashy and gratituous. This movie was neither. It was heartwarming, and real, and truly made you see the relations and interactions beneath.

NO, this film isn't extraordinary. But it's refreshing to have a simple film, with a simple story, that depicted the pleasures and horrors of everday teenage life. And that's basically what this film is, a slice of everyday teenage life. The fact that its warm, enveloping, and pleasant is just a plus. It doesn't try to dumb things down, and make pain non-existent, as many shallow teenage films do.This film might be simple, but its not shallow or silly.Lukas Moodysson is masterful at showing life at its most realistic. I would whole heartedely reccomend that you see one of his other films, "lilya 4-ever" as well.Its very different from this movie, but will serve as more proof that this is a director with genuine feeling. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

When Brandon Teena, a young man with an infectious, aw-shucks grin andan angelic face that's all angles, wanders into Falls City, Nebraska, he takes to the town like it's a second skin. In little time he's fallen in with a gang of goofy if temperamental redneck boys, found himself a girlfriend, and befriended enough people to form something of a small family. In fact, it's the best time Brandon's ever had. However, there are shadows looming over Brandon's life: a court date for grand theft auto, a checkered criminal record, and a seemingly innocuous speeding ticket that could prove to be his undoing. Why? Because as it turns out, Brandon Teena is actually Teena Brandon, a woman masquerading as a man.

This fascinating story was based on real-life events (as documented in The Brandon Teena Story) that occurred in 1993 and ended intragedy: Brandon's rape and murder by two of his supposed friends. Despite thishorrible outcome, however, in the hands of director Kimberly Peirce (who cowrote the unfettered screenplay with Andy Bienen), Brandon's story becomes not oppressive or preachy, but rather oddly and touchingly transcendent, anchored by Hilary Swank's phenomenal, unsentimental performance. Swank inhabits Brandon's contradictions and passions with a natural vitality most actresses would refuse to give themselves over to. Brandon's deception is doomed from the start, but Swank's enthusiasm is infectious, and when Brandon starts romancing the sloe-eyed Lana (a pitch-perfect Chloë Sevigny), he finds a soul mate who wants to transcend boundaries and fated identities as much as he does. The last part of the film, when Brandon's true identity is discovered, is truly painful to watch, but in between the agony there are touching moments of sweetness between Brandon and Lana, who wrestles with the truth of who Brandon actually is. You'll come away from Boys Don't Cry with affectionand respect for Brandon, not pity. --Mark Englehart ... Read more

Reviews (214)

Important stuff!!!
When's the last time anyone dared to tackle such a subject? We already know that some of the details of Brandon Teena's life needed to be changed to make a concise and coherent film. There is no question that Brandon is not a nice person; he's a user, forger, thief, etc. Still, it's an interesting person around which Kimberly Peirce chose to center her first film. Certain elements of Brandon's life have been "abbreviated" but this was for the flow of the film's narrative. There is really no way anyone can fault Hilary Swank's brilliant performance. She was in practically every frame of the film; Chloe Sevigny brought out the sweetness and tenderness from Swank's character. She also personified the boredom of the lower class, mid-Western, stuck-in-a-rut, karaoke singing, girl at dead-end. There are people like this.It's frightening to think that previous reviewers don't believe it. It's a riveting film, and Hilary Swank gives one of the most courageous performances. Even if you don't believe the gender switch, Ms. Peirce's film is an important one.I love this film. There's ugliness, and it's dealt with appropriately. This IS a true story (edited for content), though a good display of red-neck culture. Most instructive. Most upsetting. Most enthrallng. Hilary deserved every award.

Truth Hurts
Boys Don't Cry certainly deserves praise for its many fine performances - although most of the actors did not have much to work with. Only Brandon and Lana are written with depth, and even they could have been written with more depth. But Swank and Sevigny did Oscar-worthy work with what they were given. Swank in particular deserves kudos for getting through some of the film's more brutal moments.

After seeing the movie, however, questions remain. More about Brandon's background would have been particularly interesting and helpful - perhaps a scene of seeking help earlier in life.

That said, the story of the last few days of Brandon's life is one that should be told. And here it is told well. The gritty style of filming matches the bleakness of all its protagonists' lives. The brutality of Brandon's rape, its aftermath, and the subsequent murders are as horrifying as anything I have seen on film. Despite the horror of the murder, Brandon is not quite depicted as a martyr. (S)He does make serious mistakes throughout the movie, and at times it is difficult to feel sympathy for Brandon even if it is clear that this is a person with few choices that could really lead to any permanent sort of happiness. That is the source of my sympathy for Brandon.

Facinating and strange
The production quality both audio and video was good. The script was facinating and truely sad. This was not a feel good movie and in fact will leave you angry. Teena Brandon was a self destructive, confused young lady that wanted to be accepted and loved however she could not accept herself. The story is about how she lived and the situation that leads to her death. It was actually very well acted and I was impressed with the finished product. This is a quality addition to any collection.

Powerful
A stunning movie. Characters are multi-dimensional, flawed, fully human. The filmmakers pull no punches in depicting the life of of Brandon/Teena. I have nothing to add to the other review's commentary on the plot. I just want to add my kudos. The performances--all of them, not just Swank's--are outstanding. The movie hits the bullseye. This film is a disturbing and moving experience, not to be missed.

Teena's Story is Touching, Boys Don't Cry is Overrated
I vaguely remembered the facts of the 1993 incident where Brandon Teena was murdered. I was in high school and high school students don't think of much past their own selfish lives. So it is no amazement to me that it took becoming 26 to finally see Brandon's story and learn from it. I think Brandon's life was remarkable and of course I don't understand everything about him but his story should be a lesson to anyone who has ever hated someone just because they didn't understand why they did the things they did, or said the things they said. Brandon's story opened my eyes and exposed me to different aspects that people like Brandon go through. I will always be disgusted by what happened to Brandon but still cannot go with anyone who masquerades and fools people into thinking they're something they are not. Even if we think we are that person in our minds. Anyway, the film is overrated I believe. Yes, the actors were good but I expected more from the way people go on and on about this film. I think viewers confuse Brandon's real life with the film and believe that it is automatically amazing but the film has faults ( that need questioning ). It's hard to watch documentary films because you never know what was really fact and what was just made to do a film. I didn't take the scenes with Brandon and Lana at face value because I couldn't help wondering if this really happened this way. I think the movie should have started with Brandon's early years so we could have seen what she went through as a child before she succumbed to her feelings of being a man. The film could have introduced the characters better. Why start the film with Brandon getting dressed to pick up women if we don't know how she got to that point? I don't know if it was laziness or if the director felt it would be too long to start from the beginning but I think it harmed the film by starting the film in the middle of Brandon's life. We needed to know more. Why try to wrap it up in only two and a half hours when you got so much that needs to be accomplished? I would be interested in another film of Brandon Teena's life. Boys Don't Cry didn't do Teena's story justice. ... Read more

Reviews (34)

Pulling on your emotions
This made-for-HBO movie definitely transcends the "disease of the week" genre that it's part of. Based on the book by Randy Shilts, it chronicles the struggle of science vs. politics vs. morality in the early days of the AIDS crisis. Our point of view character is Dr. Don Francis (Matthew Modine), a passionate young scientist with the Centers for Disease Control. He and his colleagues, both at the CDC and France's Pasteur Institute, seem to be the only ones who remember that there are real people dying of this mysterious disease. Dr. Robert Gallo (Alan Alda)is one of the few human "villians" of the piece, more interested in writing himself into the history of the disease than in helping anyone. Two other notable performances are those of Lily Tomlin as the tough, no-nonsense Dr. Selma Dritz) and Ian McKellan as Congressional aide Bill Krause, who as part of San Francisco's gay community, is in the epicenter of the crisis.

Watching this movie, I got very angry. The blood banks, for example, were more worried about money than lives. One of the best scenes in the movie is where Dr. Francis stands up at a meeting and screams at reps from the blood industry, "How many dead hemophiliacs do you need?" before they do something about it. (That was a reenactment of a real outburst, not a fictional event.) An end title tells us that "By the time President Reagan made his first speech on AIDS, 25,000 people had died." Between events like these and Gallo's blatant scientific misconduct, it's hard to avoid being incensed.

The acting is excellent, especially Modine and Alda, who even look a little like the men they're playing. Modine brings an incredible amount of passion and frustration to Dr. Francis. I especially like McKellan's character, an older gay man who is not a stereotype. Several familiar character actors show up as supporting players, and some very famous faces (Steve Martin, Richard Gere, Phil Collins, Swoosie Kurtz, and Anjelica Huston) make cameo appearances.

If you're looking for something light and fluffy, this is not the movie for you. If you want something that will make you think, with some fine acting and a realistic script, this is for you. (Watch this, then go read Shilts' book.)

An eye-opener!
Having gotten poliomyelitis in 1953, I see comparisons between the two diseases. People with AIDS suffered prejudice and lack of information of how the disease is passed just like those who got polio. There was isolation and fear with both. Polio killed as did AIDS, but Polio was not necessarily a death sentence as was AIDS (at least at first). Polio children were often pitied,especially if they were crippled. But, much money was raised from the public sector by the National Foundation to pay for braces, operations, etc. The story of AIDS is as tragic as the disease itself. It is a gripping story that everyone should know. This movie shows clearly how it happened and why money was hard to get. It certainly kept my attention throughout. All the actors did a wonderful job with their respective roles. Even Alan Alda was convincing as Dr. Gallo, the researcher. (Alda was a polio survivor.) Lily Tomlin was wonderful as was Matthew Modine, and all the rest. My advise is not to watch this movie on the same day as you see Tom Hanks' "Philadelphia" (another great movie). At least for me, I can only take so much injustice in one day. I now want to read the book by Randy Shilts.

And the Band Played Good.
'And the Band Played On' is an excellent film about the true story of the discovery of the AIDS virus from the late 1970s' into the 1980s'. It has an All-Star cast that bring delight to the screen. More interesting than 'Philadelphia'.

Lies and lying liars who tell them!
I actually got this from a blog from Dean's World (Dean is a liberal) who nailed the problem with this movie:

"Reagan had an excellent record on gay rights issues--to the extent that anyone at that level of office in that day and age could be said to have such a record, anyway, since he had publicly supported gay rights measures and, while he did ally with some conservative Christian forces, never once backed any anti-gay legislation and was always personally gay-friendly. While it's true that there were things his administration could have done better about the early AIDS crisis, this is true for just about everyone in the 1980s--gay rights activists, local and national elected officials of both parties and at all levels of government--responded poorly. If any of you saw that execrable HBO movie And The Band Played On, you should be aware that it gave a horribly politically slanted accounting, but the book it was based on, And The Band Played On by Randy Shilts, was a much fairer and more damning book. Shilts would never have approved that attrocious movie. The book is must-reading, for Shilts (who was gay, lived in San Francisco, and himself eventually died of AIDS) documents in excruciating detail how local government officials, gay rights activists, judges, and career civil servants in many cases conspired to keep the plague from being recognized and to prevent government from even getting involved. Shilts was unsparing in his indictment of everyone at all levels and in both parties, and if he was sometimes harsh on the Reagan administration, he was usually even harsher with others, including gay rights activists he personally knew and who were responsible for preventing government from taking direct action to stop the plague in its tracks.

It's great reading. And a good supplement, by the way, is David Horowitz' autobiography Radical Son, because in the last half of the book Horowitz talks about how he befriended Randy Shilts and saw himself how radical left-wing gay activists fought tooth and nail to prevent government from taking any action to stop the plague or even recognize that a plague was spreading. And how gay men who tried to act against it were often attacked as liars and traitors and sellouts to "the fundamentalists." It's powerful reading.

Oh, and by the way, there is also a consistent rumor floating around parts of the gay community that the Reagan administration wanted to put AIDS victims into concentration camps. Just so you know, that too is a myth.

It's remarkable what some people think they know that simply isn't true."

What about region 4 in Australia?
I have just ordered this DVD movie thru Amazon. Unfortunately, in Australia, this movie is not available to purchase for private sale in either a DVD or VHS format. This is not the only movie that is unavailable down under, but was the first on my list to purchase thru Amazon. That says it all. ... Read more

Description

Just a Question of Love follows the whirlwind romance of two young men in different stages of coming out. The film paints a heartbreaking portrait of the difficulties that befall a relationship when one man lives proudly out of the closet, while the other has created a double life to please his parents. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Straight or Gay Relationships: Just a Question of Love
'Juste une question d'amour' is a small film made for French TV that is one of the most sensitive, unbiased examinations of how the 'coming out' of gay men impacts not only the one who bravely steps forward but also his friends both male and female and his family.So often films such as this fall under the title 'Queer Cinema' and that is as unfair to the audience as it is to the writer and director of the film.This film is meant for the general public and should it receive higher profile in publicity, many longstanding prejudices would at least have the chance to be questioned by both gays and straights.

Laurent (Cyrille Thouvenin) lives with his parents Jeanne (Danièle Denie) andPierre (Idwig Stephane) behind the family Pharmacy.Laurent is secretly gay though he lives with his best girlfriend Carole (Caroline Veyt) who adores him and wholly accepts his sexuality and is content to serve as a 'front' for Laurent's closeted role with his parents.He is not doing well studying agriculture, primarily due to the fact the his close cousin Marc died recently and had been disowned by his aunt and uncle when he announced he was gay.Laurent can only see that he must keep his secret so that his parents (whom he loves deeply) will not be 'injured' by his admitting his sexuality.His marks in school are so poor that he is instructed to do an internship in field agriculture to raise his academic standing.His assigned tutor is Cédric (Stéphan Guérin-Tillié) who lives an openly gay life with his warmly understanding and loving mother Emma (Eva Darlan) in an idyllic garden setting that also serves as Cédric's agricultural research lab.

Though instantly attracted to each other, Laurent maintains his closeted life until Cédric reveals his affection: the two become happy, passionate lovers. All goes well until Cédric insists that Laurent be in an open relationship, a state that would demand that Laurent inform his parents of his preferences.Laurent, fearful that his parents would disown him as his cousin was treated, flees and it is only after Cédric's mother Emma, a woman who loves the fact that her son is in a healthy relationship and longs for Laurent to allow his parents to love him for who truly he is, takes it upon herself to confront Laurent's parents with the truth.The manner in which this initial trauma affects each of the characters forms the platform for the resolution of the story.

This is a brave film, very intelligent and sensitive and informative, and is made all the better by the excellent cast.Each actor gives characterizations that are completely credible and three-dimensional: none of the too familiar stereotypes are here.It is to the credit of director Christian Faure and his co-writer Annick Larboulette that JUST A QUESTION OF LOVE succeeds on every level.This is one of the most quietly powerful stories about same sex challenges to be addressed on the screen.Highly Recommended for ALL audiences.In French with English subtitles.Grady Harp, May 05

A LOVE STORY
It has been said by more than a few individuals that there just are not very many films that are being made that could be considered realistic "gay love stories"."Just a Question of Love" is the exception. It is a very realistic gay LOVE STORY. Although the film is in French (with, of course, subtitles), the story and/or message can be translated to apply to any country where gay people fall in love and suffer the ramifications thereof.Laurent a young agricultural student lives in great fear of his parents finding out that he is a gay.However he has the "ideal alibi" because he shares an apartment with his best friend who happens to be a very attractive young women that is comfortable with the knowledge that Laurent is gay (we the audience, however, get the strong feeling she is or has been in love with Laurent and would prefer him straight; nevertheless, she accepts him as he is and enjoys him as a friend).Outwardly, and especially, to Laurent's parents, Laure